Betsy Alles column: Summer is a jackpot for business

Take a good look around. Tourists are flocking here. People who live here are out enjoying themselves. Picnics, beach volleyball, live music, farmers markets are all happening everywhere I look. Hikers, bikers, runners and walkers of all ages are enjoying our amazing trails. This week the artists were out doing their plein air painting along Lake Michigan.

What a joy.

Honestly, I was worried. Yes, I’m an insufferable optimist, but the season seemed to get off to a very unusual start. Even now every morning I have to pull out my long sleeves for my daily walk and I wonder, Will they still come out to play? So I do my rounds and I ask.

Our hotel managers tell me business is excellent. I walk the downtowns where even the newest businesses are elated with the draw. There is a significant jump in the numbers of folks from Chicago, Madison, the Twin Cities and more. If you want to have lunch in downtown Sheboygan you might even want to make a reservation at some places.

It’s fun to walk in a retailer’s door and be greeted with the kind of enthusiasm I’m seeing everywhere, from Sheboygan to Falls and Kohler to Plymouth and Elkhart Lake. There is definitely a vibe that is growing and it appears to be contagious.

If you haven’t been shopping in a Sheboygan County lately, give it a try this summer. You are going to find lots of new, interesting shops to browse. There is something so special about actually having a conversation with the owner of a shop or a restaurant – someone who is truly interested in helping you find that perfect gift or the best place to dine with friends.

You can also feel very good about helping the local economy. Every dollar you spend with a local entrepreneur is invested in your community and enriches the quality of life for everyone.

Enjoy every moment of this glorious season.

Betsy Alles is the executive director of the Sheboygan County Chamber and welcomes your feedback. You can reach her at betsy@sheboygan.org